Mechanism of notoginsenoside R1 in alleviating intervertebral disc degeneration: an experimental and network pharmacological analysis based on ferroptosis and autophagy genes

, and ROS levels. NGR1 also promoted autophagy, as indicated by increased Beclin-1 and LC3 II/I levels in NP tissues. Moreover, serum IL-1β and IL-6 were reduced by NGR1 in IDD rats. NGR1 significantly reduced the levels of predicted targets STAT3, IL1B, and MAPK3. In erastin-induced NP cells, NGR1 significantly restored cell viability, enhanced autophagy, and suppressed ferroptosis as well as STAT3, IL1B, and MAPK3 expression, all of which were partially reversed by 3-MA or colivelin.4. NGR1 alleviates IDD by inhibiting ferroptosis and promoting autophagy, potentially via STAT3 signaling, thereby preserving disc integrity and delaying disease progression.